Monday, 19th—We were ordered to strike our tents and move to the right, but just as we were ready to fall into line, the order was countermanded and we were ordered to go to throwing up breastworks. It was reported that the rebels were going to come out of their breastworks and attack us. The pickets were fighting all day, and there was brisk skirmishing and cannonading all along the front. Our entire picket line has been reinforced by extra men.
Diary of Alexander G. Downing; Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infantry
Sunday, 18th—Our brigade threw up four miles of fortifications, earthworks, and also forts for the artillery. We were expecting to be attacked by the rebels making an effort to turn our right flank, so we were in line of battle all day. The pickets have been fighting all day, for the only action taken by the rebels was trying to drive in our pickets.
Saturday, 17th—We were ordered to strike tent and march out to the picket line and form in line of battle. Here we remained in line until after dark. There was heavy cannonading and musketry firing all along the line and it continued all day. We pitched our tents in a heavy piece of timber and established camp number 8, in our siege of Corinth.
Friday, 16th—Nothing of importance has taken place today, but I think we will have a fight soon. We have plenty of rations, but the drinking water is very poor. The health of the men is better, however, since we have become more active, and the men are getting back their old-time vigor. Some of the boys who have been sick are now returning to the regiment. Major Abercrombie is in command of the regiment while Colonel Hare and Lieutenant-Colonel Hall are at home recovering from wounds received at Shiloh.
Thursday, 15th—We were expecting to be attacked today by the rebels making a charge on our front line and were ordered to fall in with two days’ rations in our haversacks. We marched out about a mile, and forming a line of battle, remained there till dark—about six hours—when we moved toward the right wing and up to camp. The entire right wing of the army has moved around farther to the right.
Wednesday, 14th—We cleaned up our camp today and had company drill twice. There was some heavy musketry firing on the front lines, and the artillery was in action on both sides, but not much damage was done.
Tuesday, 13th—We received marching orders this forenoon, and striking our tents at noon, started off towards the right. We marched four miles and went into camp—camp number 7. There was some skirmishing with the pickets today.
Monday, 12th[1]—Batallion drill today. Sixteen of the boys of our regiment failed to appear for the drill and later they were put into a squad by themselves under an officer and put through the drill until dark—that was their punishment for disobeying orders.
[1] On this day George T. Willcott of Company E died of fever in Scott County, Iowa, and George W. Simmons died of his wounds at Tipton, Iowa. This makes Company E’s loss in the battle of Shiloh, nine—six killed and three dying of their wounds.—A. G. D.
Sunday, 11th—The Iowa Brigade moved two miles to the right, nearer to Corinth, and some of our boys came in upon the rebel pickets. We established another camp—camp number 6. The Eleventh Iowa was relieved from picket duty this evening.
Saturday, 10th—The Eleventh Iowa went out today to reinforce pickets again. Our cavalry had quite a skirmish with the rebel pickets out on the flanks while driving them in.
